KRAFTON India Expands Gaming Incubator with Six New Startups in Second Cohort
KRAFTON India selects 6 startups for KIGI's second cohort to boost game development.
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KRAFTON India has announced the induction of six new startups into the second cohort of its flagship KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), reflecting its continued commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in India’s fast-growing gaming sector. Building upon the success of its inaugural cohort, the expanded program marks a strategic push to discover and empower emerging talent beyond traditional tech hubs, with new participating studios from cities like Kolkata and Madurai.
The KIGI program offers selected studios a blend of mentorship, strategic guidance, and financial support—up to $150,000—to help developers bring ambitious game ideas to life. The incubation period spans six to twelve months, focusing on product development, market readiness, and global competitiveness.
Spotlight on the New Cohort
The second batch of incubated studios showcases a diverse slate of games, genres, and narratives:
- Kleanup Games (Madurai) is creating CHROMADI, a high-octane, arcade-style shooter that combines color-mixing mechanics with a nostalgic retro aesthetic. The game, paired with original music and a fresh visual style, is expected to launch in 2026.
- Advaita Interactive (Kolkata) is developing Inspectorium, a detective puzzle game steeped in the atmosphere of a steampunk reimagining of Victorian-era Calcutta. Featuring episodic storytelling and AI-driven character interactions, the game is slated for multi-platform release beginning in 2025.
- Singular Scheme (Mumbai), led by Ahad Oomerbhoy, is working on Frontier Paladin, a hybrid RPG with tower defense mechanics set in a mythical war-torn world filled with relics and lore.
- Smash Head Studio (Bangalore), leveraging over a decade of experience, is preparing Cricket Rivals, a real-time multiplayer mobile title that reinvents cricket gameplay with fast-paced, globally accessible matches.
- Unwind Games (Hyderabad), founded by industry veterans Jayant Shukla and Khozema Abuwala, is building BaoBao’s Journey, a relaxing puzzle and customization game centered around a panda’s tranquil adventure to build his dream home.
- Ginger Games (New Delhi), a newly established studio, is developing Monkey Mayhem, a hybrid-casual mobile title set in a chaotic "Monkey Universe." Featuring auto-shooter action, biomes, and crafting, the game is set for release in early 2026.
Strong Foundations and Global Backing
KIGI’s evolution has been bolstered by robust partnerships with industry leaders such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), AccelByte, AppMagic, and Liftoff's GameRefinery. These collaborations provide participants with essential tools—from scalable backend infrastructure to advanced market analytics—enabling them to deliver refined gaming experiences to a global audience.
Following a promising first cycle, where startups like ReDimension Games, Shura Games, and Dunali Games successfully launched or soft-launched their titles, the new cohort signals KRAFTON’s intensified push to elevate Indian game developers onto the global stage.
Leadership Speaks
Anuj Sahani, Head of KRAFTON India Incubator Program, emphasized the strategic expansion: “India’s gaming sector holds remarkable creative and technical talent. Through KIGI’s wider reach and expanded support network, we aim to provide a launchpad for these developers to bring distinctive and competitive games to the world.”
Echoing the sentiment, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, highlighted the broader cultural significance: “Gaming is a powerful medium of storytelling and expression. With this new cohort, we are investing in voices that will define the future of gaming—not just in India, but globally.”
Partners like Rob Schoeppe, CCO at AccelByte, reinforced the value of collaboration: “Working with KIGI aligns perfectly with our goal of supporting developers by eliminating technical barriers and helping them focus on innovation and game quality.”
Also Read: KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator Interview Reveals Its Big Plans for India’s Game Industry
With its expanded cohort and deepened industry alliances, KIGI is positioning itself as a cornerstone in India’s journey to becoming a global force in game development.